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WELCOME ABOARD: Shipping blockchain TradeLens, developed by IBM and Maersk, has finally recruited two major marine cargo carriers to the platform after its early marketing efforts floundered. The new additions are Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the second-largest after Maersk; and CMA-CGM, the fourth-largest in terms of cargo carrying capacity. The new additions join other carriers Asia’s Pacific International Lines (PIL), Zim Integrated Shipping Services and Maersk subsidiary Hamburg Süd, which, when combined, account for nearly half of the world’s ocean container cargo data, IBM said. Full story
TEZOS TWEAK: After nearly three months of voting by token holders, the Tezos blockchain will undertake a series of backwards-incompatible changes to the network on Wednesday. Called Athens A, the upgrade proposal was the first to undergo the network’s “self-amendment” process in which “bakers” on Tezos – equivalent to miners on bitcoin or ethereum – stake tokens to show their preference for competing proposals. Athens A will reduce the minimum amount of tokens – or roll size – that’s required for a user to become a baker. Full story
KIK CAMPAIGN: Canada-based messaging app firm Kik has launched a crypto crowdfunding campaign to support a likely court battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over its ICO token, kin. The campaign, aimed to raise $5 million, is being launched in the hopes that “a lawsuit would eventually result in a new Howey test for crypto tokens, to determine which ones are a security,” according to Kik founder and CEO Ted Livingston. While Kik maintains that its token is used as a currency, the SEC has expressed concerns that kin might be a security and may seek an enforcement action against the firm. Full story
PRESIDENTIAL APPEAL: A group of U.S. lawmakers have written an open letter to the National Economic Council and its head, Larry Kudlow, asking them to include blockchain on its list of emerging technology initiatives. The council, which directly advises U.S. President Donald Trump, is tasked with both informing his economic policies, as well as finding ways to further his goals. Full story |
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SPONSOR SECTION  A new cast of innovators and founders in the blockchain ecosystem is fundamentally changing how business is conducted across industry sectors around the world. We call them Emerging Disruptors. Learn what makes them different in our new Perspective. |
| DOWN, NOT OUT: Bitcoin found takers below the former resistance-turned-support of $8,500 in early European trading hours today, reinforcing the bullish view put forward by Sunday’s pennant breakout – a bullish continuation pattern. As a result, the psychological resistance of $9,000 could come into play ahead of the weekend. The bullish case would weaken if prices fall below $8,000, although that looks unlikely for now. Full story |
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BEST OF THE BEST
CITY SCAM: A man who said he was building a crypto city that would have bitcoin as its currency has been busted for selling land he didn’t own. According to Forbes, Morgan Rockcoons said the city, to be called Bitcointopia, would in time secede from the U.S. to become a tax-free, 1,000-acre community in Nevada. However, while the libertarian owned only 4.9 acres of land he took money from supporters for over 18 acres, the report says. Rockcoons is also in hot water for operating an unlicensed bitcoin exchange business.
THE REST
SMALL CHANGE: Crypto exchange Binance moved $1.26 billion in bitcoin between cold wallets today. To calm the nerves of observers, the firm’s CEO, Changpang “CZ” Zhao, tweeted the news, saying, “No need to be alarmed. Funds are #SAFU.” The Next Web reports that, for the massive movement of funds, Binance paid only $124.60 in network fees.
WAIT OVER: Ledger’s Nano X crypto hardware wallet has left pre-orders and is now generally available. The firm announced the news Tuesday, saying ordered devices will ship “immediately.” The Nano X offers a Bluetooth connection to users’ smartphones and a new highly secure hardware architecture like that used for credit cards. |
WHO WON #CRYPTOTWITTER  |
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